Harris County residents urged to report flooded homes, businesses

Published 4:59 pm, Friday, April 17, 2015

From our community

Harris County residents are urged to report house flooding by completing a Flood Survey as soon as possible at the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s website at http://www.readyharris.org/go/survey/1829/11787/

Heavy and persistent rainfall that produced up to five inches of rain throughout Harris County in the past two days has resulted in high water levels in bayous and creeks, and possibly water in homes and businesses in southwest Harris County near Keegans Bayou, in Pasadena and LaPorte near Armand Bayou, and in areas near Clear Creek in south Harris County.

Your help in reporting flooded structures online is vital to assessing areas impacted and the full extent of flood damage.

The Harris County Flood Control District's Flood Watch team is monitoring rainfall rates and bayou levels at the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management along with other emergency management partner agencies.

As of 9:30 pm Friday the following bayous and creeks are or near out of banks, which could cause flooding in surrounding streets and low-lying areas:

• Keegans Bayou is out of banks at U.S. 59 (southwest Houston near Sugarland)

• Beamer Ditch is near the top of banks at Interstate 45

• Lower Brays Bayou is near the top of banks at Lawndale

• Armand Bayou is near top of banks at several locations in Pasadena and LaPorte

• Turkey Creek is near top of banks at Dixie Farm Road

• Upper Clear Creek is near top of banks at Mykawa

REMINDER: When faced with a flooding situation: STAY PUT wherever you are, unless your life is threatened or you are ordered to evacuate and do not drive or walk into high water areas.

Harris County’s bayous, creeks and tributaries are responding to the runoff from heavy rainfall, and all are within banks; however, there could be high water and street flooding in several areas throughout the county. Harris County residents are advised to proceed with caution when driving on area roadways and during the evening commute.

The Flood Control District's Flood Watch team will continue to monitor rainfall trends and check the gages that measure rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and creeks. The team constantly monitors the data and works during severe weather events to advise the public and local officials of areas that are and could be affected by flooding.

With heavy rainfall comes the threat of flooding, so it is important for Harris County residents to be aware of conditions near their workplaces, schools and homes. The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its Harris County Regional Flood Warning System website (desktop and mobile versions) at www.harriscountyfws.org.

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Additional rain is forecasted, so residents should remain vigilant of water levels.

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has disaster preparedness resources and the latest information about conditions in Harris County at www.readyharris.org. The Harris County Flood Control District has a “Family Flood Preparedness” center at http://www.hcfcd.org/famfloodprepare.html with helpful, printable resources and flood preparedness tips. The flooding over the past 3 days is another reminder that all residents in this area should carry flood insurance. Contact your insurance agent for more information about purchasing flood insurance, or visit the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.